Kids and Phones: Calling for trouble?

Your son has been clamoring for a phone for so long your ears are ringing. You're beginning to weaken but still need to find the right phone to get a sense that your child is mature enough to handle the added responsibility. Let's see how much you know about all things mobile with this phone quiz. The answers may sway you one way or the other.

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Question 1 of 20

What percentage of kids between the ages of 12 and 17 have cell a phone?

40 percent

75 percent

According to data released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 75 percent of children between 12 and 17 have a cell phone.

85 percent

Question 2 of 20

What key feature distinguishes a smartphone from a regular cell phone?

Internet access

a sophisticated operating system

Smartphones typically have a sophisticated operating system that allows the phone to run productivity and entertainment applications.

an onboard camera and GPS system

Question 3 of 20

What one big feature do parents look for most when shopping for a child's phone?

price

parental controls

That would be parental controls.

service limits

Question 4 of 20

What's the price range for a conventional cell phone?

$15 to $75

$20 to $150

According to the folks at Consumer Reports, the price range for a conventional cell phone is $20 to $150.

$50 to $250

Question 5 of 20

What percentage of Americans report having used a cell phone in an emergency?

45 percent

74 percent

According to a report released by The Pew Internet & American Life Project in 2006, 74 percent of mobile phone owners claimed to have used their phones in an emergency situation.

85 percent

Question 6 of 20

Can parental controls disable a phone for portions of the school day?

sometimes

yes

Yes, this is a popular parental control feature.

no

Question 7 of 20

About how many children between the ages of 6 and 11 have cell phones?

14 percent

22 percent

A recent report published by C & R Research suggests that 22 percent of 6 to 11 year olds have cell phones.

35 percent

Question 8 of 20

What's the biggest reason parents buy cell phones for their kids?

because all the other kids have them

security and safety

The right answer is security and safety.

to avoid arguments

Question 9 of 20

Can phones with parental controls disable Internet access completely?

sometimes

yes

Yes. This is another common feature on phones with Internet access and parental controls.

no

Question 10 of 20

Although 75 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 have cell phones, that figure was very different back in 2004. How many kids in that age group owned cell phones back then?

18 percent

35 percent

In 2004, around 35 percent of kids between 12 and 17 had access to cell phones for personal use.

42 percent

Question 11 of 20

A few decades ago, kids were still keen on sporting the latest personal technology. Back in the days before computers and cell phones, what tech gift was considered a rite of passage?

a radio

a wristwatch

That would be a wristwatch.

a decoder ring

Question 12 of 20

Are the phones designed for really young kids like regular phones?

yes

probably not

Probably not. Phones for young children often feature a limited number of keys preprogrammed with home and emergency numbers.

no

Question 13 of 20

What is a QWERTY keyboard?

a tablet touch keyboard

a keyboard with the keys arranged as they would be on a computer

That would be a keyboard with the keys arranged as they would be on a computer or typewriter.

a full-sized keyboard

Question 14 of 20

Are disposable cell phones really made to throw away?

No. You can recharge them.

No. You can recycle them.

No. You can and should recycle them. They have plastic parts that are great for recycling. Check your nearest plastic recycling center for more information.

You bet.

Question 15 of 20

Do schools even allow the use of cell phones?

Yes, but only specific phones.

Yes, but there are stringent rules and limitations.

Yes, most schools allow cell phones on the premises but restrict their use during school hours.

No. Most schools ban cell phones.

Question 16 of 20

What is sexting?

making sexually explicit videos and posting them on social media sites

sending sexually explicit messages or photos over a mobile phone

Sexting is the practice of sending sexually explicit messages or photos via mobile phone. It's a big concern for parents and lawmakers alike.

viewing sexually explicit material while driving

Question 17 of 20

What's the best way to make sure your child is using his cell phone wisely?

Buy a phone with parental controls and use them all.

Establish guidelines and monitor your child's phone use.

Establish guidelines and monitor your child's phone use from time to time.